BY COLIN POWELL
Whether due to the unseasonable warmth that has become a hallmark of this summer, or simply a lack of interest, participation in last weekend’s Celebrate Castine events seemed to be down from last year, according to Castine Merchants Association member Nancy Watson.
The exception was the Dyce Head Light tours, of which people took full advantage. Under clear skies, more than 100 people walked the 54 steps up the lighthouse tower each day.
An example of the low attendance was this year’s dog show, sponsored by the Castine Woman’s Club. Nine entrants competed for prizes such as “best haircut” or “best tail.” Last year’s Castine Canine Capers had 40 entrants.
Still, everyone on the Common on Sunday seemed to be having a good time as John Bobb, Jack MacDonald and Ray Nuella judged each dog and awarded prizes, while Brad Tenney served as master of ceremonies. Woman’s Club member Jeannie Reed noted that Michelle Mann of Bangor Savings Bank helped with this year’s preparations.
- Best Costume was awarded to Izzy, an English Bulldog shown by owner Natalie McCarthy.
- Best Tail was awarded to Symba, a yellow Lab shown by owner A.J. Snapp.
- Best Ears was awarded to Danny and Murphy, a pair of Maltese shown by owner Pat Higgins.
- Best Haircut was awarded to Marley, a Golden/Lab mix shown by owner Harrison Blake.
- Looks Most Like Owner was awarded to Piper, a yellow Lab shown by owners Sally and Abigail Fonner.
- Most Talented was awarded to Barnacle, a black Lab shown by owner Leslie “G.G.” Ware.
But there were no losers, as all the entrants received certificates for a free doggy sundae at The Breeze.
On Saturday, the street fair took place under sunny skies. The mercury rose over the course of the day, thinning crowds as the day progressed. Among browsers of art and food, kids got to try their hands at a miniaturized version of the ropewalks that were once an integral part of Castine’s economy.
Visitors to the fair were also treated to the sounds of the Tarratine Fifes and Drums as well as Susie and Mike Faye. The Bagaduce Ambulance Corps also had its ambulance on display for anyone who wanted to take a peek inside.
Watson said very few people took advantage of an opening evening of hors d’oeuvres and drinks at local establishments. She said she was a little disappointed in the turnout over the weekend, though she pointed out that the Manor Inn is up on a hill and not in the center of town. A funny-hat croquet game at the Manor on Sunday drew a small group of entrants. The winner, Watson noted, was the only person in the tournament not from Castine.
Watson said the Merchants Association will take stock of how the weekend went and consider possibly holding it on a different weekend next year or promoting it more in neighboring towns.
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On Sunday in the Castine Canine Capers dog show, Best Costume was awarded to Izzy, an English Bulldog, shown by owner Natalie McCarthy. 
In the shadow of the State of Maine, and in the cool of the evening, the big band Sentimental Journey had people listening and dancing at the Castine town dock on Saturday night.
For the third year, the Castine Merchants Association hosted a street fair on Saturday, July 17 as part of a weekend of celebrating Castine. Hot weather kept attendance down this year. Photos by Colin Powell